Sale FC 31-17 Cinderford

05.01.19

Cinderford’s first-ever visit to Heywood Road ended in disappointment, with the accurate boot of Sale outside-half Kieran Wilkinson proving to be the difference between the teams.

Wilkinson soon opened the scoring when he went over for a well taken try, which he also converted. More pressure on their opponents try line then resulted in a penalty which Wilkinson kicked to make 10-0 in as many minutes. Cinderford got themselves back in the game when they gained possession from the re-start and went through multiple phases before prop George Porter forced his way over for a try from close range, which was converted by Dan Pointon.

Sale responded immediately however when some slick handling created the space for centre Connor Doherty to score an unconverted try. The visitors kept their opponents at bay with some solid defence, but a poor clearance kick was gathered by full-back Jonty Rawcliffe who scythed through to score, with Wilkinson adding the conversion. Cinderford pressed forward as half-time approached but Aaron Ryan was held up over the line and the score remained 22-7 at the interval.

Wilkinson extended Sale’s advantage with two further penalties early in the second-half, before Cinderford hooker Nathan Taylor scored a try from a lineout catch and drive. A fourth penalty from the boot of Wilkinson gave him a total of 21 points in the match. In the closing stages the Foresters were once again held up over the line, before the ball was moved out wide for winger Sam Smith to score his side’s third try, but as they pressed forward again from the re-start a forward pass brought the end of the game.